Tackling aged care with a dual approach: Nurses and on-site pharmacists
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The Albanese Government is making significant strides in improving the quality of care in Australian aged care facilities.
Two key initiatives are at the forefront of this effort: ensuring 24/7 registered nurse coverage and introducing on-site pharmacists.
One year after implementing 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) responsibility, the government reports that aged care homes now have an RN on-site and on duty 24 hours a day, 99% of the time. This marks a 6% increase from July 2023, with 92% of homes now complying with the requirement.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells emphasises the importance of these changes, saying: “Making sure older people have access to safe and quality healthcare is a priority for the Albanese Government.”
The impact of these reforms is substantial. Older Australians in residential care are receiving an additional 3.9 million minutes of direct care daily, including 1.7 million additional minutes from registered nurses. On average, residents now receive 204.2 total care minutes, with 40.2 minutes from an RN.
Complementing the increased nursing presence, the government is investing $333.7 million to bring pharmacists into aged care homes. This initiative aims to improve medication management and safety for residents.
“Having pharmacists on-site in residential aged care homes gives greater assurance to residents and their families that their medications are being managed safely and appropriately,” Minister Wells stated.
From 1 July 2024, community pharmacies can access funding of $138,282 per annum for a full-time equivalent aged care on-site pharmacist. If community pharmacies are unable to participate, aged care homes can employ pharmacists directly.
These combined efforts reflect the government’s commitment to restoring dignity to aged care and providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for older Australians.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
